Estrellas De Xeatzan Group

Thirty-seven-year-old Wendy married a bricklayer and the couple has a seventeen-year-old daughter who just graduated from high school with her diploma in electrical studies. Wendy shares that she only attended school for nine years as her parents could not afford to send her any longer. Five years ago, she opened a convenience store on her father’s land where she doesn’t pay rent. She has a second business weaving traditional fabric for blouses/”huipiles” and is able to deliver ten pieces each month. Wendy requests her fourth Kiva loan to buy medicines, products for the store, and thread.

Six Maya Kaqchikel women elected Wendy to be Secretary of their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Estrellas de Xeatzam.” They all have the same businesses as Wendy and live in a rural area in the department/state of Chimaltenango. They enthusiastically participate in the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, monthly educational training, and bi-monthly healthcare services. The training, designed by a facilitator, covers topics related to business, health, nutrition, hygiene, as well as business management. Every two months, a nurse comes to their community and offers exams, consults, and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for learning about Wendy and her friends! Your loan support is vital to their success! Happy Holidays to each of you!

In this group: Maria Toribia, Maria , Dora , Wendy Esmeralda Ejcalon Hernandez De Tzul, Natalia , Sindy Johana , Norma Griselda